Top Art Hotels in UAE

Updated: 12 octubre 2021
 By Pri

The UAE has a growing reputation as an artistic destination. We ourselves have launched our Art Tours of Dubai, to help you explore the creative side of the city.  While you may expect to see art in museums and galleries, you might be unaware that certain hotels are incorporating art into the guest experience, allowing you to witness the creativity of the region without ever leaving the lobby. Here, we take you through the top Art Hotels in UAE.

XVA Art Hotel

 

This small boutique hotel is probably the city’s most famous example of an Art Hotel. There are only 14 rooms, each individually curated to showcase the architectural and cultural motifs of the region. One room will be themed based on the hand decorating practice of henna, another around the Emirati clothing item the Dish dash and so on. The sense of heritage is strong in this hotel, as it is located in Bastakiya, the city’s heritage district (and the site of our Old Dubai Walking Tours!). In addition to the stylized rooms, the hotel also boasts its own art gallery for guests and other visitors to see examples of local works.  The vibe of this hotel is very unique and its small size allows for a more tranquil guest experience. However, it’s important to note that while the service is friendly and the hotel well cared for, don’t expect the little extras like fluffy white towels and chocolates on the pillows – this place is far too trendy for that.

Dusit D2 Kenz

 

Dusit D2 Kenz is a contemporary hotel conveniently located by the Dubai Internet City Metro Station in Barsha Heights. Emirati artist Zeinab Al Hashemi designed the artwork in this hotel, inspired by the shape of a dhow’s sail. The artworks vary from a striking installation hanging from the hotel’s lobby to blue prints of a ship framed in individual rooms. The sculptures in particular are of note, making use of geometric lines of metal and wood accented with rope and twine. The entire experience is a game changer. It transforms the contemporary hotel into a canvas that showcases Dubai’s history in a modern fashion. The hotel itself is part of a Thai based chain, so visitors can be certain of exemplary hospitality while there. Make sure to enjoy the rooftop pool or take advantage of the D’Stress Spa for an incredible massage and body wrap.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

The hotel is in the heart of Dubai overlooking the Dubai Creek. It is a fusion of contemporary design and architecture and offers a cultural experience through the

Middle Eastern contemporary art collection. If you want to connect with the local culture, then this is the place to be. The art collection is well placed throughout the hotel and its grounds. It comprises of 482 works by over 51 contemporary artists including paintings, sculptures and mixed media works. The collection is curated by Camelia Esmaili, the founder of I’Atelier Camelia.

Ritz Carlton DIFC

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Ritz Carlton DIFC is a 5 star accommodation which is a treat to your senses. Canvas Atlanta- the Art collection incorporates keys elements of Emirati culture. The falconry, pearls, Arabic architecture, flora and fauna reflect a true eclectic grouping of work. Canvas has created a mix of work that is international in flavor, yet shows a reference to the local and regional style.

Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort

Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort is the only art inspired resort in Fujairah. The hotel is ideally situated for excursions, be it hiking, diving, snorkeling or scuba diving. This exclusive retreat boasts 180 rooms, each with a view of the ocean or marina. The pieces on display are sourced from all over the world. A design best described as bohemian meets art deco with a touch of arabesque. One of the most striking pieces on display is a six-meter long canvas decorated with seven layers of Arabian calligraphy done in a graffiti style. It’s a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new. Other striking pieces include giant ostrich egg sculptures in the waiting areas and an installation of framed vintage jewels. The piéce de résistance, however, lies in the mosaic-tiled pool, with its beautiful blue scrolling pattern that nods to the traditional Arabesque designs.

Rove Downtown Hotel

The Rove Downtown Hotel is a mid-market hotel located just a short walk away from the Burj Khalifa. The hotel appeals to the young and the young at heart, and trendy artwork is part of the guest experience. The entire building is Instagram-friendly, with plenty of quirky pieces scattered around the common areas (including some that incorporate hashtags!). There is a sense of discovery to the art here. A caravan of camels are fixed to the ceiling feet first, graffiti stencil designs are sprayed high on the wall or near the corner of the ground and a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ with mixed media pieces stands proudly in the lobby. All of this adds to the feel of art truly infusing the location.

Noon Art Boutique Hotel Apartments

This art-inspired boutique hotel features the works of three regional artists. They are the Emirati Najat Makki, the Qatari Ali Hassan and the Tunisian Khaled Bin Simane. The works of these artists are presented collectively on different levels of the hotel.  Makki’s work has a strong nod towards feminine figures, to acknowledge the key role played by Arabian women in society. Hassan specializes in calligraphy, with his pieces for the hotel playing on the Arabic letter ‘noon.’ And Simane’s passion lies in ceramics, following the tradition of Islamic pottery and punching it up with bold shots of color. These three unique perspectives combine to create a cohesive homage to the region’s landscape. The hotel itself is located in Al Barsha, behind Mall of the Emirates and possesses a plethora of modern conveniences.

There is a lot of wonderful art in the city – even in places you would not immediately expect.  If you want to be inspired by the creative vibe of the region, why not consider booking a stay at one of the UAE’s art hotels? You’ll enjoy a unique guest experience and take home some memorable photographs to boot.

About The Author

Pri

Pri is a true believer in the Rule of Three - she lives between Dubai, Bombay and Washington DC, speaks three languages and has 3 kids under 3. She graduated from Connecticut College and has a Masters Degree from New York University. Pri is a licensed Dubai tour guide, travel blogger, art aficionado, foodie and curious to check out all things new in her city. Pri has been part of the Free Tours By Foot team since 2015 and loves to make customized itineraries for her guests.
Updated: octubre 12th, 2021
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